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Living abroad for a total of four years in Spain and Thailand has given me ample opportunities to travel solo, something I never would have imagined doing just a few years ago.
If you’re a woman and have ever traveled alone, you know how addicting it can be. It gives you time for introspection and exploration, and teaches you how to be truly independent. Few things in my life have felt as liberating as traveling the world alone.
If it’s your first solo trip, Europe is a great starting point. There are many beautiful, safe and wonderful cities in Europe. This makes European cities ideal for independent female travelers. Here are the top 13 best European cities to visit alone.
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13 best places in Europe for solo female travelers
1. Seville, Spain
Seville is big enough to get lost, but small enough that you never really feel lost. Located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, Seville has a lot to offer: brightly colored apartment buildings, cobblestone streets, friendly locals, and a pleasant climate.
Spaniards walk more than most people in the world, and their cities are designed for walking. Seville is easy to get around on foot, but there’s also a new metro system in place, as well as buses and taxis for all your transportation needs.
When visiting Seville, be sure to check out the Seville Cathedral, the Alcazar of Seville, the Maestranza Bullring, and the Torre de la Goldene.
There are many hidden spots in Seville that you should definitely visit.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
After visiting Seville, head to Lisbon, a European city that is also special for solo female travelers.
Lisbon is a beautiful port city on the western Iberian Peninsula, facing the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. The city is known not only for its beautiful squares, quaint neighborhood streets to stroll through, and great cuisine, but also for its kind and friendly locals who are accustomed to foreign tourists.
Like Seville, Lisbon can be explored on foot, but solo female travelers should definitely hop on the Remodelado tram at least once during their stay. A unique experience that can only be found in this great capital city.
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3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is known as the sin city of Europe, but it’s actually the safest city on the entire continent.
Amsterdam was named the safest city in the European Union and the 6th safest city in the world in the 2017 Safest Cities Index. It was also named the most digitally safe city.
Amsterdam’s extensive public transport system makes getting around easy. Amsterdam has many metro, tram, bus and ferry lines, but no trip to Amsterdam is complete without a bike trip around the city, an ideal activity for solo female travelers.
My advice: Amsterdam is one of those cities you should definitely visit at least once.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Scandinavian countries are generally very safe places to visit, and Denmark is no exception. Denmark’s capital is full of great cultural experiences, including Freetown Christiania, Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, and Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s 17th-century waterfront.
Copenhagen is also home to Europe’s most advanced transportation system. The metro takes solo female travelers to nearly all of the city’s most iconic spots, as well as providing transportation to and from the airport.
Before visiting this beautiful city, we recommend reading up on what you need to know before going to Copenhagen.
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5. Prague, Czech Republic
Nicknamed the City of a Hundred Towers due to its stunning Gothic architecture, Prague is a unique city that attracts visitors time and time again.
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is known for its winding streets, famous squares in the city center, historic bridges, and hidden gems such as fairy-tale castles.
Prague is one of the most easily navigated cities in Europe, with major attractions within walking distance. Therefore, Prague is perfect for solo female travelers. The area has some of the best hostels and hotels for solo travelers, and solo female travelers will have no trouble finding like-minded wanderers in the city.
6. Cinque Terre (Italy)
Located on the rugged Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most beautiful tourist destinations. The centuries-old seaside village is located in five different towns: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore and Corniglia.
Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is easily accessible via the Cinque Terre Railway. Trains run frequently to his five villages in the region throughout the year, with stops between each town lasting 5 to 10 minutes. Travelers can purchase a Cinque Terre card that includes both train and bus travel.
Women traveling alone will love the charm of Cinque Terre, where they can relax in the comfort of their own solitude. Especially during the summer months, when the beaches are open for swimming, sunbathing and serious rest and relaxation.
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7. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a magical city full of history, beautiful castles, unique bars, and more thermal and medicinal springs than any other capital in the world.
Budapest is a popular destination for solo travelers, so finding accommodation is easy. The city also offers free 3-hour walking tours, perfect for travelers to see all of the city’s main attractions.
Spending a day in Budapest’s thermal baths is a great way for solo female travelers to sit back and relax after hours of sightseeing. Széchenyi Thermal Baths is the most popular spa in Budapest and you can buy tickets here.
8. Hamburg, Germany
Busy, big cities may not be the best choice for solo female travelers. This doesn’t mean big cities are unsafe, but smaller cities are easier to navigate on your own and experience a destination to its fullest.
Hamburg is a picturesque, laid-back old town alternative to metropolitan Berlin. Hamburg is easy to explore on foot, yet still large enough to get lost, with plenty of nightlife, culture, food, architecture, and activities.
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9. Edinburgh, Scotland
If you’re a woman traveling solo in the New Year and looking for the perfect place to celebrate, head to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh hosts one of the biggest New Year celebrations in all of Europe and is the perfect place to spend time on the streets with locals and people from all over the world.
Edinburgh is also home to some great cultural attractions, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle (which hosts a spectacular fireworks display every New Year), Calton Hill and the Royal Mile.
10. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich was named the 10th safest city in the world by the 2017 Safe Cities Index, making it the perfect destination for solo female travelers.
Zurich is home to over 50 museums and 100 art galleries, plenty of shopping, and amazing architecture. It should be noted that Zurich is a very expensive city to visit, but it will be worth every penny.
If you’re visiting Zurich in the summer, Lake Zurich is surrounded by cafes and restaurants and has several parks with shorelines perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and pedal boat rental.
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11. Bruges, Belgium
Although Belgium has been the victim of a series of unfortunate and devastating acts of terrorism, it still stands tall and offers an amazing experience for travelers.
With its Bavarian architecture, quaint canals and castles, and vibrant flora, Bruges will make you feel like you’re living in a story, making a solo female trip magical. This impressive city will leave you feeling satisfied, surprised and curious as a solo female traveler.
Want to learn more about solo travel? Click here to check out all our articles on this subject!
12. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Currently ranked as the 90th best place for solo female travelers, the Amalfi Coast is a fascinating coastal region known for its extraordinary beauty and captivating landscapes. The region is known for its citrus groves, terraced vineyards, vibrant culture, and stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tourists can explore historic sites, enjoy boating, hiking, delicious Italian cuisine, and the famous limoncello liqueur. Combining rich history and beautiful landscapes, the Amalfi Coast is a traveler’s paradise.
13. Bled, Slovenia
The picturesque town of Bled in Slovenia is a off-the-beaten-path gem with stunning alpine views and activities perfect for intrepid solo female travelers. It is known for its iconic cliff-top Bled Castle, which has a fairy-tale feel to it.
The town’s gourmet scene is also popular, especially the traditional cream cake known as ‘kremsnitas’. Combining natural splendor with a rich history and culture, Bled is a truly breathtaking destination for those seeking a great European holiday.
Don’t miss Lake Bled. This lake is stunning and much more affordable than famous European lakes such as Lake Geneva.
Pro tip: When traveling alone, women should prioritize safety by researching the destination, sharing the itinerary with trusted contacts, avoiding secluded areas at night, and choosing accommodations with good reviews. there is. Carrying a fully charged cell phone, important documents, and self-defense equipment (where legally permitted) will further increase your safety. When traveling alone, it’s important to trust your intuition and be aware of your surroundings.
FAQ
Which country in Europe is the safest for women to travel alone?
While most destinations in Europe are considered relatively safe, popular countries for solo female travelers include Iceland, Denmark and Portugal in southern Europe. Europe is generally one of the best continents for solo travel.
Which major European cities are best for solo female travelers?
Some of the best European cities for solo female travelers include London, Krakow, Lisbon, and Copenhagen, but there are many other great cities for solo female travelers. Whether you want a cosmopolitan city or a quieter location, you can find it in Europe.
Is it a good idea for women to travel alone in Europe?
Yes, most travelers will find it somewhat familiar and less of a culture shock than in other parts of the world. Western Europe may not be as cheap as certain destinations in Asia or South America, but there are plenty of world-famous places to explore when visiting Europe.
Is Europe a good place to travel solo for the first time as a woman?
Destinations in Europe are easy to visit, even for first-time solo female travelers, as most parts of the continent have excellent infrastructure. Also, most people speak English, so you won’t encounter any language barriers even if you’re traveling alone. If you are traveling to Europe alone, you should keep this in mind when choosing a European destination.
Is it safe for women to travel alone in Eastern Europe?
Most countries in Eastern Europe are safe for women to travel alone. But in macho countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Russia, women traveling alone can face harassment and other issues that push them out of their comfort zone.
